Research

The goal of FMC’s research program is to execute statistically sound research that provides musicians, policymakers, the public and the media with a clear analysis of issues at the intersection of music, law, technology, and policy. Since 2001, FMC has published research on media ownership, the effects of the 1996 Telecommunications Act on musicians and the public, payola, musicians’ opinions about changes in the digital landscape, and musicians’ access to health insurance.

Reports & Surveys

In July 2013, Future of Music Coalition launched the Money from Music Quizzes, four online questionnaires that were designed to test how much musicians knew about money and music, and the copyright laws, licenses and agreements that frequently determine who gets paid, and how much. Today, we are publishing a report that analyzes the results over the first 18 months.

FMC’s goals with this project were twofold. We hoped to:

(1) educate musicians about some common – but often misunderstood – copyright and revenue stream issues in a fun and challenging way read more

In July and August 2013, Future of Music Coalition (FMC) and the Artists’ Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC) conducted an online survey of US-based artists about their access to health insurance.The survey found that, of the 3,402 artist respondents, 43 percent do not currently have health insurance. This is more than double the national estimate of 18 percent uninsured (ages 0-64), as calculated by the Kaiser Family Foundation.[1]read more

With the state of the recorded music industry in flux, tremendous attention has been focused on the live music business and its sustainability. For years, this sector has been dominated by a small group of powerful players in touring, ticketing, promotions and venue management. How has this impacted musicians and local music communities? What effect would further concentration have on the live music ecosystem? Are there any alternatives? read more